Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine 2023 Jun/Jul/Aug

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Pleased to announce Forbes Best-In State Wealth Advisors for 2023

In rapidly changing financial markets, you want advice you can trust. At RBC Wealth Management, we view the safety and security of your accounts as a priority equal to helping you build, preserve, enjoy and share your wealth.

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Eddie Link

Managing Director – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus

Forbes Best-In-State

Wealth Advisor in Virginia 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023

Bradley Blum

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus

The Meridian Group

110 Franklin Road SE, Suite 400 | Roanoke, VA 24011

(540) 404-6601 | us.rbcwm.com/meridiangroup

Mike Kemp

Managing Director – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus

Forbes Best-In-State

Wealth Advisor in Virginia 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023

Allison Link, CRPS® Financial Advisor

Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

The 2019 Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” award was announced February 2019. Data as of 6/30/2018. The 2020 Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” award was announced January 2020. Data as of 6/30/2019. The 2021 Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” award was announced February 2021. Data as of 6/30/2020. The 2023 Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” award was announced April 2023. Data as of 6/30/2022. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.

© 2023 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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Open seven days a week, The Little Gallery is a fine art gallery and consultancy that provides art sourcing, art installation and art advisory services for residential, hospitality and corporate spaces.

your next project and experience our beautiful selection of talented artists in historic Downtown Roanoke at 301 Market St. SE. You can also browse all our artist collections online at TheLittleGalleryVA.com.

540-206-2936

PHOTO: KATHRYN FELDMANN

BY JANE RENNYSON

BY GINNY SMITH

BY KENDALL ATKINS LIVICK

BY JERRY HALE

BY MITZI BIBLE

FERNE HALE

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

BY KATE ERICSSON

SARAH NICHOLAS

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

Summer has arrived, and with it, all the spoils of the season. It’s my favorite time of year, and I am not ashamed to admit it. And although many of us are looking forward to the annual beach trip, I’m a summer-in-the-mountains kinda gal. It may hearken back to the many summers I spent at sleepaway camp in the mountains of far Southwest Virginia, or it may be that a visit to the beach in April or September is just a bit more enjoyable in my opinion. Truly, either locale is to be appreciated this time of year.

Travel is a given during the summer months; and if it’s your turn to host, let HOME help you make sure your guest room rates a 5-star review. And while your guests are in town, get them outside and enjoy some of the best outdoorsy adventures the Roanoke Valley has to offer. A tree-top adventure or disc golf, there is plenty of fun and fresh air for all ages!

In this issue, HOME showcases a traditional 1960s colonial that has been transformed and reconfigured into an awe-inspiring French country home perfect for an active family of four. Unique materials and design choices make this home extraordinary!

I’m married to a DIYer. In the early days of our marriage, if something was broken or not working, I was sure it needed to be replaced. Oh no; I soon learned, my husband could disassemble, clean it, replace parts, rewire — whatever it was that he determined was wrong, he could make it right. After a while, my skepticism and eye rolls abated. Our article on DIY fixes can help you determine what is worthy of repair and what is deemed a goner.

After a hot summer day of work or play, relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Local watering holes share their top tier beverage concoctions so you can enjoy a sensational summer sip!

Summer has so much to savor: July 4th is on a Tuesday, so you may eke out a four-day weekend in honor of America’s 247th birthday. Family picnics and vacations, outdoor concerts and festivals, lightning bugs and S’mores — it’s a veritable smorgasbord of summer fun. Do as much or as little as you like, but remember to call Dad on June 18th — it is Father’s Day after all.

As always, thank you for reading.

Anne Marie Poore | annemarie@jamesrivermedia.com

PHOTO: KATHRYN FELDMANN

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

DESIGN BUILD MAINTAIN

at

VOLUME 1 6 ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER

Trish Roth

EDITOR

Donna Dunn

ART DIRECTOR

Kira Rider

LOCAL EDITOR

Anne Marie Poore

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelley Basinger

Mitzi Bible

Paula Peters Chambers

Martha S. Coffey

Kate Ericsson

Ferne Hale

Jerry Hale

Katherine Fulghum Knopf

Margie Lippard

Kendall Atkins Livick

Sarah Nicholas

Jane Rennyson

Ginny Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kathryn Feldmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Donna Collins

SALES LEADER

Tom Sand

ADVERTISING SALES

Kirsten Morey Becker

Julia Belvin

Lisa Bowers

Joe Katany

Anne Marie Poore

Kenny Shelton

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually by James River Media, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME

109B Tradewynd Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502

For advertising information please call (434) 845-5463 or email SALES@jamesrivermedia.com

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

JAMES

RIVER MEDIA, LLC

(434) 845-5463

Copyright 2023 by James River Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from James River Media, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, James River Media, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, James River Media, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

Make your garden glow

ENJOY PLANTS DESIGNED TO SHINE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON

BY MITZI BIBLE

Summer nights under the stars are always magical. As the hot temperatures retreat and surrender to a cool breeze, we’re drawn outdoors to breathe in the fresh air and exhale all the stresses of the day. Create a special garden space to awaken the senses, where the moonlight illuminates blooms, grasses calmly rustle and fragrance fills the air.

Nighttime naturals

Some of the fun in creating a moon garden is exploring the world of night-blooming plants. One of the most popular is a flowering vine aptly called “moonflower” or “moon vine.” A nighttime counterpart to the morning glory, this gardenia (Ipomoea alba) only opens its large, iridescent white blooms at dusk or on cloudy days. Then, as the sun rises, the blooms curl back into the bud. It’s true: you can only catch the show at night.

According to Ellen Urbanski of Townside Gardens in Roanoke, the moonflower is an obvious choice for a night garden: “It’s an annual vine here, typically inexpensive and grows fast enough to cover a trellis.”

The vine also looks lovely hanging on an arbor or lining a fence. And even though it is a night lover, it does best when planted in full sun. It also carries a strong fragrance, which some have likened to an Easter lily, and can be fascinating to watch as it attracts moths that frolic around the blooms all night. (Many night-blooming flowers are white to attract the pollinators needed to reproduce).

Choosing fragrant plants is always a good idea, especially if your moon garden is near your outdoor sitting area. Urbanski suggests Nicotiana (also known as flowering tobacco or night-scented tobacco), another night-bloomer with a pleasant aroma. Its drooping, trumpet-shaped flowers open in late afternoon and into the night. Other plants that only show off at night include night-blooming jasmine, four o’clocks, evening primrose and angel’s trumpet.

There are plenty of plants that can bring a garden to life at night. The key is to choose varieties with lighter shades that can reflect the moonlight — white, silver or even soft pink blooms and colored foliage. “White blooms and silvery foliage show up best from a distance and at night,” Urbanski says.

For this reason, she recommends planting dusty miller, artemisia, lamb’s ear, variegated hostas and white or light-colored hydrangeas. She’s also a fan of the sweet-smelling white lilac and, of course, lavender, with many varieties that sport silvery foliage.

MOONFLOWER AT NIGHT

EVENING PRIMROSE

MOONFLOWER DURING THE DAY

LAMB’S EAR

Bright additions

While the moon itself should take the lead, there are many accessories that can add to the ambiance of your nighttime garden. Urbanski says to consider adding more white by putting plants in large white-glazed ceramic pots or adding garden features that are light-colored, like white stepping stones or even the age-old garden globe in white, metallic or glass. Hanging string lights, especially ones with larger bulbs, throughout your trees or around an arbor or fence can also add a subtle glow.

Have fun adding sounds, too, like a set of chimes or even tall, bushy grasses that make their own tune when they catch the evening breeze. A popular ornamental grass called morning light, which can grow several feet tall, is great to fill out your space. Its green leaf, streaked with a thin line of white, will blend perfectly.

Watching the moonlight reflect off water, even a small amount, can be mesmerizing. Choosing to locate your moon garden by a pond or pool would be ideal, but you can always add a small fountain or light-colored birdbath to muster up the magic.

READERS’ FAVORITES AWARDS 2022

Getting started

Urbanski says the first task is choosing the right location. She suggests situating the garden where you can view it from your favorite spot to relax on a patio, deck or porch, and where you’ll get full exposure to sun and moon.

“So many people have outdoor living areas now that are so nice to entertain in that it would be nice to have a garden that accentuates your space and makes your time there even more enjoyable,” she says. “A moon garden would be a lovely additional element you can enjoy outside at night.”

The moon has a mystifying effect on all of us — including the botanical world. Take some time to unwind in a moon garden and you’ll soon be marveling at the natural sights, sounds and smells all around you. ✦

Couple transforms their kitchen into a timeless masterpiece.

When Dr. and Mrs. Aragon relocated from Texas to Virginia, they found the perfect home. And by perfect — we mean a beautiful home wrought with character that was a perfect candidate to transform into a masterpiece. The original kitchen was probably considered gourmet at the time of its inception, but there were a lot of opportunities to make it more functional. Kristy Aragon owns a catering business, so making it beautiful was a priority, but the true functionality was a key factor in the design process.

F&S BUILDING INNOVATIONS has more than 45 years of experience with thousands of satisfied residential customers throughout central and southwest Virginia. We’re a Class A contractor, which means we can facilitate your project from design to completion. And we have designers on-staff to guide you every step of the way.

This kitchen is a timeless, modern classic with white wood construction cabinetry and white quartz. There were some challenges to overcome due to all the angles and multiple doorways in the room but the end result was phenomenal. The Aragons not only started their kitchen renovation but also added a large 2-story garage and covered patio for their hot tub.

Summer through the EYES OF A CHILD

REDISCOVER THE SIMPLE JOYS OF LIFE AND NATURE

BY SHELLEY BASINGER

One of the keys to happiness is finding wonder and awe, even in the everyday, according to recent research. A Journal for the Association for Psychological Science article states the feeling of awe engages five processes — including a heightened sense of meaning — that benefit our overall well-being.

This reminds me of my youngest children, ages 4 and 6, who still get so excited when they stumble across the small scenes in nature that adults often overlook. A fuzzy caterpillar crossing our sidewalk or a slimy worm emerging from the dirt bring these two so much joy. Far too often, I’m too busy heading inside to do another load of laundry to stop and appreciate these moments with them.

This summer, I hope you will join me in committing to a renewed focus on the world around us and finding new or unique ways to spend time with your family outside.

PHOTO: ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

Here are a few ideas to get you started in the Roanoke region: Explore nature from the treetops.

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Treetop Quest at Explore Park | 50 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke

There is no better way to reconnect with the tree-climbing days of your youth than at Treetop Quest, located at Explore Park in Roanoke County. The zip lines, obstacle course and 1,500-square-foot trampoline net are not just for kids of all ages — adults are encouraged to join in the fun, too!

Anyone over the age of 4 can participate in Treetop Quest, as the course has progressively challenging aerial obstacles. There are five courses ranging from easy to challenging.

Visitors to Treetop Quest can try out the Tarzan swings, see if they can make it across the tricky cargo nets, balance on tightropes and fly across ziplines. At the end of the day, you’ll have that same feeling of success as you did growing up when you finally made it to the top of that backyard tree.

Learn more about Treetop Quest on their website: www.roanokecountyparks.com/505/Treetop-Quest.

PHOTO: ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

PHOTO: ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

Explore

RECOMMENDED LOCATION:

Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden

2000 Fishburn Parkway, Roanoke

Connected to the highly popular Mill Mountain Zoo and Mill Mountain Park is the recently revived 2.5-acre Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, a project of the Mill Mountain Garden Club for close to 50 years. According to their website, the club estimates that its members have put in about 80,000 hours nurturing, cultivating and expanding this beautiful garden atop Mill Mountain.

From 2018 to 2021, the Mill Mountain Garden Club raised about $200,000 to restore the property. Visitors will notice major upgrades, including replacing the aged pond at the center of the garden with a cascading tiered pond and rerouting some of the walkways. The club also added new stone benches — so you can stop and take it all in — as well as a fairy garden and new educational signage.

Learn more about the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden on their website: millmountaingc.org/portfolio/mmwg/.

PHOTOS: KATHRYN FELDMANN

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• Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.

• Focus on water safety and survival skills.

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Find a new walking path.

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Greenfield Trail System

Off Preston Parkway, Troutville

Take advantage of the longest days of the year by finding a new location for your evening or weekend walk. We recommend trading a few laps around the neighborhood for a spot with a little more to offer — such as the Greenfield Trail System in Botetourt County.

The Bowyer Holiday Trail and Cherry Blossom Trail are located within a 600-acre business park near Troutville. Greenfield Recreation Trail in Greenfield Recreation Park backs up to the business park. There is also a disc golf course and a large pond that attracts many species of birds.

The Cherry Blossom Trail is cinder surfaced and about 8-feet wide, making it the best for a brisk walk or bicycle ride with friends or family. The other two trails are grass and open to cross country runners and equestrians. Learn more at www.botetourtva. gov/621/Trails.

Try out a new nature-inspired sport.

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS:

Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course

3319 Rutrough Road, Roanoke

Falling Creek Disc Golf Course

1257 County Farm Road, Bedford

Disc golf is steadily growing in popularity across the world — and as luck would have it, you are living in an area with some of the state’s top courses. What we love about the sport is where it’s played. Our region’s disc golf courses weave players across beautiful rolling fields and through majestic forests.

One of the most popular (and family-friendly) courses in the Roanoke region is the Mayflower Hills course at Explore Park. UDisc — an app for disc golfers — ranks Mayflower Hills as number four in the state. The course has 18 holes and the first nine are best for beginners or families.

If you want to explore disc golf a little further, Bedford County is one of the top spots for disc golf in the state — and beyond. (Proof of this: the Professional Disc Golf Association is bringing its 2024 world championships to Bedford County’s professional course in New London.)

Start a nature-inspired journal.

LOCATION: Your home backyard

Adults and kids alike can benefit from the practice of journaling, which is proven to improve your overall mental health. During the summer months, consider starting a journal that focuses specifically on the natural wonders around your home.

For some of you, this may look like stepping outside on your back patio and writing down what you observe. For others, it may include taking your journal a step further by describing how the scenes in nature make you feel or even crafting a short poem.

Then, there are some of you who may completely be turned off by the idea of flowery language. For this group, simply observe something in nature in which you aren’t familiar, do a little research on the topic and write down your new findings. At the end of the season, your nature journal can serve as a selfcreated encyclopedia of your neighborhood habitat.

Children can easily join you on this exercise. Fill an inexpensive composition book with their drawings about nature and even include a few treasures such as leaves and sticks.

Long summer days provide plentiful opportunities for awe. Enjoy the wonders all around us in the Roanoke Valley! ✦

PHOTO ABOVE: ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

PHOTO BELOW: ASHLEE GLEN FOR BEDFORD COUNTY

FALLING CREEK

for summer Fresh design

Lighten up with cooler colors and breezier décor

BY JANE RENNYSON

Transforming your home from warm and cozy for the cooler months into light and airy for spring and summer doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. A few changes here and there can easily evoke that fresh, breezy feeling we longed for all winter. Here’s a quick guide to transitioning your style from season to season.

First things first, tidy up!

One of the simplest ways to freshen up your living space from season to season is to dust and declutter. It doesn’t make sense to spend time redecorating if your home isn’t neat and clean. Before you add anything new, do a quick walk through and eliminate your old and tired décor to make room for some new additions. While you’re surveying the areas you want to change, consider rearranging the furniture. Modifying the layout of a

room instantly gives it new life. Why not position your furniture so you can better see the outdoors? Make sure your windows are clean enough to enjoy the lush greenery and bountiful colors of spring and summer flowers from the living or family room, where you probably spend most of your time. Enhance that view by switching out heavy drapes and curtains with simple sheers in white or cream.

W. TODD ROSS

GROWTH Powering

A lifelong Roanoke region native, Todd is looking forward to furthering the First Bank culture and strategic vision in the area. He is committed to empowering area businesses, individuals, and non-profits through his team’s focus on building deep, rewarding partnerships.

I truly believe in First Bank’s philosophy of there’s power in one. One banker, one customer, one smile, one kind gesture can all make a huge difference in our lives and our community.

Fabulous fabrics and natural materials

Window treatments aren’t the only fabrics that can be altered for the change of seasons. Revamp your existing sofa and throw pillows with slipcovers in a lightweight cotton or linen. A new duvet can brighten up a winter comforter, and you can even layer a new rug in a soft, neutral tone over that drab wall-to wall-carpet. Put away heavy blankets made of faux fur and wool, and replace them with more breathable fabrics. Placemats, tablecloths and napkins in soft pinks, blues, yellows and greens are perfect for summer dinners on the patio. Natural fabrics and materials are paramount to achieving that carefree mood we are aiming for as the seasons change. Add woven baskets, driftwood or seagrass on shelves, coffee tables or mantles. Introducing a small piece of furniture like a side table or ottoman in teak, wicker or rattan will do the trick as well. Coral, sea shells or starfish scattered throughout the house take our minds down memory lane of those treasured beach vacations.

Market President for Roanoke Valley

Color and more color

An infusion of color into your home can brighten your mood and easily liven up your space. Choose your favorites and incorporate them around the house in unexpected ways. In the kitchen, you can purchase inexpensive colorful barstools for the island, or switch out your everyday dinnerware for plates with summer themes and bright hues. Add a pop of color with new dish or tea towels, an updated light fixture or by painting the pantry door.

Indoor plants and fresh flowers not only add color, but they come with health benefits as well. They purify your air and reduce stress. Search out a local flower farm or farmer’s market for wildflower bouquets. Popular choices for low maintenance indoor plants include bamboo, mosses or succulents in a terrarium, peace lilies and orchids.

Although color can make a big difference, don’t underestimate the ability of an all-white room to have an impact in your home as well. And adding mirrors to an any room will help reflect the room’s light and make it appear brighter and more open.

Smaller spaces have big potential

Bathrooms are a small space with the potential for a big change from season to season. Switching out rugs and towels in seasonal colors or installing a new shower curtain in an updated fresh pattern is a good place to start. If your bathroom cabinetry is on the smaller side, consider changing the paint color if it needs revamping. If you want to install traditional wallpaper, a first-floor powder room is usually a manageable size to tackle that project. However, peel-and-stick wallpaper is on trend and a perfect way to add color and style with less hassle and commitment.

Sounds, sights and smells of summer

When decorating from season to season, don’t forget to engage all of your senses. This will add to the overall feel of the house. Position planters filled with your favorite blooms outside, so they are visible

from many places inside your home. Add a fountain on your porch, and open your windows and doors from time to time to enjoy the sounds of water flowing and birds chirping. Add reed diffusers, candles and potpourri with your favorites scents of the summer such as lavender, gardenia, linen and lemon verbena. While you’re at it, incorporate a few new dinner and drink recipes to your entertaining menu and you’ll be ready to celebrate the summer with family and friends in your newly decorated home! ✦

Sensational summer sips

Stir up some fun beverages from your favorite local restaurants

BY KATE ERICSSON

James Bond preferred his martini shaken, not stirred, Don Draper liked his bourbon in an Old Fashioned and Ernest Hemingway enjoyed rum mixed into a Mojito. Initially inspired by British punches, which contained spirits, fruit juices and spices in big bowls, cocktails have been an indelible part of American culture since the 1800s.

The first definition of the drink has been attributed to New York editor Harry Croswell, who penned this colorful description in 1806: “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters — it is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent election-eering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head.”

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A SUMMER COCKTAIL OR MOCKTAIL

THE GARNISH

Edible flowers, berries, citrus, mint, olives, herbs or rimming salts/sugars

THE PERFUME

Bitters, such as Angostura or Peychaud, liqueur, fruit or syrup

THE BODY

Prosecco, champagne, seltzer or fresh fruit juice

Vodka,

non-alcoholic spirit option

Cocktails rose in popularity with the availability of ice in the mid-19th century. Imagine a room-temperature margarita! Ice made spirits more palatable, and by the end of the century, most bar-keeps had ice at their disposal. Prohibition put a damper on the ability to imbibe, but a post-war interest in Tiki culture started to rise in the 1930s when a man named Don Beach opened the first Tiki Bar in Hollywood. He was inspired by the Polynesian culture that he had experienced while traveling in the South Pacific, and shortly thereafter drinks with umbrellas were in vogue.

The craft cocktail movement spanning the aughts was characterized by a revival of traditional recipes and methods in the bar industry. Made with premium spirits, fresh juices, botanicals and bitters, the craft cocktail offered the “mixologist” an invitation to innovate. Today’s bartenders continue to elevate the art of mixing a cocktail.

In its simplest form, a cocktail is a drink that mixes several ingredients, at least one of which is alcoholic, into one complete drink. The simplest cocktails contain just a few ingredients, while more complicated ones can have upwards of six or seven ingredients.

Low-alcohol and no-alcohol (mocktails) drinks grew in popularity in 2022 and are projected to continue gaining market share in 2023 and beyond. They currently make up nearly $10 billion of value in top global markets. Today’s mocktails are more sophisticated than the pink sugary offerings of the past. During the past few years, there has been a proliferation of companies and online stores such as Curious Elixirs and Seedlip that make botanical non-alcoholic spirits with no sugar. Mingle Mocktails has garnered a lot of press lately with its sparkling, fruity and lowcalorie mixed beverages available in cans or bottles. Here are some unique summer cocktails and mocktails being served locally by talented bartenders.

THE BASE

gin, tequila, rum, whiskey or a

Valley Rhum Runner

1 ½ ounces pear and green cardamom syrup*

½ ounce pineapple juice

1 ounce lime juice

1 ½ ounces Rhum Barbancourt

½ ounce Genepy Fiddlehead fern and lemon peel for garnish

Combine ingredients, and do a short shake with ice. Strain to rocks glass with a lemon twist and Fiddlehead fern to garnish.

*PEAR AND GREEN CARDAMOM SYRUP

30 ounces Bartlett pears, chopped

⅗ ounce crushed green cardamom pods

20 ounces white sugar

30 ounces water

Bring pears, cardamom pods, sugar and water to a boil and soften. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out pears and sediment through a fine mesh strainer. Chill and reserve.

Faux Sunshine Mocktail

3 ounces lemon juice

3 ounces orange vanilla syrup*

¼ ounce heavy cream

¼ ounce soda water

Lemon slice for garnish

Combine ingredients, and do a short shake. Pour in a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda water and a lemon wheel.

*ORANGE VANILLA SYRUP

10 ounces orange juice, fresh squeezed

5 ounces white sugar

2 ounces pure vanilla syrup

Bring orange juice, sugar and vanilla syrup to a boil. Chill and reserve.

The Vault at Liberty Trust 101 S. Jefferson St. Roanoke

Headed to Trenton

This cocktail features George Washington’s favorite brandy and nods to “Crossing The Delaware.”

¾ ounce Laird’s Applejack

Brandy

¾ ounce Amaro Montenegro

Italian Liqueur

¾ ounce Cappelletti (liquor)

¾ ounce lemon juice

Combine ingredients and shake. Double strain and pour into a glass.

Fool’s Gold Mocktail

2 ounces Seedlip Spice 94

¾ ounce triple syrup*

1 ounce lemon juice

Soda water

*TRIPLE SYRUP

1 cup water

⅓ cup sugar

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup honey

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool.

FOOL’S GOLD MOCKTAIL

Combine ingredients and shake. Double strain and pour into a flute. Top with soda water.

Main Street Plaza

1 ½ ounces cilantro

infused Lunazul

Blanco

¾ ounce falernum

¾ ounce lime

Ginger beer

Salt

Combine ingredients and shake. Double strain and pour into a glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and sprinkle with salt.

Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar

1109 Main Street SW Roanoke

1 ½ ounces Blanco tequila

½ ounce simple syrup*

1 ½ ounces lime juice

1 ounce grapefruit juice

Lime for garnish

Combine ingredients, shake and double strain into a glass.

Sugar Water

Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

This cocktail could easily be turned into a punch by increasing the measurements and adding sparkling water. It could also be the makings of a mocktail by substituting the tequila with a sparkling water.

Summer is the perfect time to create your own specialty cocktail or mocktail to serve guests at outdoor gatherings, dinner parties or wedding brunches. While you can probably get away with serving one singularly spectacular signature cocktail at your event, a well-stocked bar has the ingredients for options to abound. Just make sure you have plenty of ice! ✦

Be our guest Design a Room that Welcomes

BY MARGIE LIPPARD

In Disney’s animated musical Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere the candelabra, Cogsworth the clock, and Mrs. Potts the teapot charm and welcome the frightened Belle to the castle of their reclusive master, the Beast, through their buoyant rendition of “Be Our Guest.” They “only live to serve,” and their impeccable hospitality leaves no detail unattended. Likewise, you can take pride in hosting travelers this summer in a guest room that impresses, relaxes and enchants. Whether it's fresh flowers or beautiful bedding, the thoughtful details you add will make your visitors feel special and their stay unforgettable.

The five-star treatment

Nothing says “Be Our Guest” better than details that anticipate your guests’ every need. Bedside tables adorned with nice lamps, a carafe of water and glasses and a bouquet of flowers will delight your weary travelers. Offer your guests an elegant place to unpack their bags on a bench or a small sofa at the foot of the bed. Declutter and give your guests ample closet and drawer storage space. A full-length mirror for dressing, a blackout curtain to hide the morning sunshine, a soothing sound machine and a cooling ceiling or box fan will ensure a memorable stay.

Elaine Stephenson, owner of Elaine Stephenson Interiors in Roanoke, describes this hospitality as “five-star.” She explains, “You want your guests to feel like they are in a five-star hotel. Pretty candles, chocolate and nice soaps in the bathroom are details that make people feel special.” For another gracious gesture, make a welcome basket with extra towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a handwritten note with your Wi-Fi password, your house key tied to a ribbon and a few water

Dreamy Bedding

The centerpiece of the guest room is the bed, and what better time for a dreamy bedding makeover than when you’re expecting a visit by loved ones? You’ll feel proud about your bedding investment when your guests wake and praise your mattress, sheets and sleeping pillows. As Stephenson notes, “You want really beautiful bedding, nice quality sheets and good sleeping pillows so the bed is super comfortable. I am happy when my guests say, ‘this is such a comfortable mattress or oh my gosh, we love the pillows!’”

Consumer Reports ranks the Saatva Classic innerspring mattress first in overall quality. It has a dual layer of coils, memory foam layers, a soft pillow top, edge support and a variety of firmness levels. The Sleep Foundation rates the Helix Midnight the best overall mattress. This hybrid mattress (which comes in a Luxe version) features steel coil support, foam layers, a premium quilted pillow top and a cooling Tencel cover.

For Stephenson, quality mattresses with a soft pillow top are simply the best.

PHOTO: ELAINE STEPHENSON INTERIORS

Like mattresses, sheets play a major role in how well we sleep. Cotton sheets with a high thread count are good quality and popular. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch: The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the cotton sheets will be. Generally, good cotton sheets have a 200-800 thread count, but fabric and weave are also important. Cotton sheets come in several weaves. Sateen is silky and warm; percale is cool and crisp; twill has a dense texture and is durable; and flannel has a warm, soft feel.

Made of fibers from the bamboo plant, bamboo sheets are trending. They are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and cooling. Bamboo sheets aren’t woven in a manner that counts threads, but their weaves are akin to cotton sheets.

Among cotton sheets, Consumer Reports recommends LL Bean’s Pima Cotton Percale. Among bamboo sheets, the Sleep Foundation rates the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set as best overall. Stephenson also shares her sheet preferences: “I’ve had good luck with sheets from Peacock Alley and Legacy Linens. If you like sheets that feel cool, I like the bamboo sheets they sell at Cariloha. My other favorite sheet is 100 percent cotton percale. It’s soft, smooth and doesn’t pill.”

Sleeping Pillows and Shams

A good quality sleeping pillow depends upon a quality filler. Stephenson explains: “I prefer down pillows because they are the most comfortable to sleep on.” Decorative sham pillows accent sleeper pillows, but they are not a substitute for them. For designer shams, Stephenson prefers a down alternative filler: “When I make decorative shams, I have learned you don’t use down because it makes them heavy. I use alternative down.”

The Sleep Foundation identifies three sleeping pillow fill categories. These include natural materials, like down made of duck or goose feathers, cotton and latex; synthetic materials, like polyurethane memory foam; or a combination of the two, such as a down alternative made of polyester microfiber. Down alternative sleep pillows have the airy feel of down pillows, but they are hypoallergenic (unlike feathers), firmer and less expensive. Consumer Reports ranks the Saatva Pillow “the best pillow ever” while the Sleep Foundation rates the Saatva Latex pillow as “best overall.”

Mattresses 101

Mattresses are expensive, so it’s important to research various types before you buy one. According to the Sleep Foundation, there are four basic mattress categories:

n foam

n innerspring

n hybrid

n latex

Made of polyurethane foam layers, foam mattresses cradle the body and give the luxurious feeling of sinking into the bed, but they can trap heat. (Queen size: $900-$1,300)

Innerspring mattresses, composed of a system of steel coils encircled by foam or latex layers beneath a pillow top, are supportive, firm-edged and breathable; however, they have limited motion isolation. (Queen size: $600-$1,100)

Hybrid mattresses, constructed with body-hugging foam or latex layers and steel coils much like the innerspring variety, offer contouring, support and breathability.

(Queen: $1,500-$2,000)

Made with eco-friendly latex rubber, latex mattresses yield better bounce and aeration than foam mattresses but are more expensive. (Queen: $1,600-$2,000)

Making the most of your space

Guest rooms can double as a bedroom and office, play space or sitting area when you use a sleeper sofa or daybed that can be tucked away. Stephenson explains, “You could use a cute daybed that can double as a seating area or sofa-type situation. You could be comfortable watching TV there. In my son’s room, he had a daybed, but it had a nice trundle which popped up to the level of the bed, creating two beds side by side. He had more floor space.” By adding a TV, a bookshelf stacked with favorite books, a bin of toys and comfy chairs and sofas, you’ll have a great seating area to hang out with friends and family.

Transformative hospitality

In Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts display a warm hospitality to their guest, Belle, which was transformative. It broke the spell that entrapped the Beast by opening their hearts to love. Who knows what small miracles your gracious hospitality might inspire when your guest room makes others feel special and welcomed. ✦

Picture-Perfect PANTRIES

BY GINNY SMITH

Easy ways to decorate and organize this high-traffic area

How many times have you bought tomato sauce at the store and returned home to find several cans of it taking up space in your cabinet? Or did you buy that new can in order to avoid searching through boxes, bags and other kitchen congestion?

As we all know, a well-organized pantry saves us time, money and, let’s face it, frustration. So, why do we over-stuff our shelves? Tuck, shove and squeeze items in such a way that we don’t even know what we have? Why do we clutter our pantries with shoes, coats and other items that clearly have homes elsewhere?

Even though we may not fully understand the answers to these questions, we can create a pantry space that meets our needs for food storage while giving us a fresh start on kitchen organization.

Reimagine unused spaces

A separate room off the kitchen is definitely ideal for a pantry, but a designated area within the kitchen is also a great option for storage. Make use of oddly-shaped areas in your kitchen or empty walls to add cabinetry or shelving. Repurpose an old piece of furniture to use as a pantry or add shelves to the end of your island to create a small area for kid-friendly snacks. Also, you could add shelves to a nearby closet to give you the extra space you need. Simply look around your kitchen — and the areas nearby — to see if the perfect pantry is waiting to be discovered.

Decorate to motivate

Once you choose your space, take time to create a pantry that is as beautiful as it is functional. A well-organized space will motivate you to keep it that way! Think about what you’d like to store in your pantry, besides food, of course. Appliances? Seasonal items? Is the space large enough to include an area for pets with feeding bowls, food storage and toy baskets? Once you know what you want to include in the pantry, the fun part begins: designing and decorating.

Before you begin stocking your pantry, add a pop of personality to the space. Consider painting the walls a bright color and adding some patterned wallpaper between the shelves. Don’t forget the flooring! Gorgeous hardwoods, colorful tiles or even the right paint will give you a look you’ll love and motivate you to keep your space in order.

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Organize and reorganize

Now that you have a freshly-decorated space, you’re ready to stock up, that is after you’ve cleaned out! Throw away all outdated items and those you’ll never use. Next step: organization! Check your inventory of baskets, bins and see-through acrylic containers. You can experiment with organization systems and then reorganize to suit your needs.

Try separating your pantry into zones, making them work for you and your family. Here are a few suggestions for categories: baking supplies, canned goods, quick meals, liquids, spices, fruits and vegetables, cereal and other boxes, portable snacks and lunches.

Put the items you use daily at eye level and the less-used items up high. Store snacks for the kids in baskets on the floor so that they can make their own choices. If you really want to make your life easy, put the items you need for meal prep in separate baskets. Then, when it’s time to make dinner, grab a basket and the items you need for that meal are already gathered.

Whether your space is a separate room or an area of your kitchen, you can reimagine, decorate and organize to create the picture-perfect pantry. Best of all, you won’t have to wonder if you have any tomato sauce! ✦

Pantry Hacks: Tips for Better Organization

n Add a pull-out cabinet system with sliding shelves and drawers.

n If you have space, add a countertop to create a food prep area and to store appliances.

n Think about incorporating electrical outlets into your pantry design.

n Under-shelf lighting enables you to see into the recesses of your pantry.

n Shelf risers can double your space. A stackable can organizer is worth the money.

n Wire storage baskets are great for veggies.

n Airtight food storage containers can be labeled and will keep your pantry looking neat and wellorganized. In fact, label every basket and container.

n Corner shelves should have Lazy Susan turntables to maximize space and reduce clutter.

n Tray dividers make storing your baking sheets, pizza pans and cutting boards easy and efficient.

n Spice racks corral the small bottles and jars to make them easy to find.

n Make use of the walls with hooks for reusable bags, aprons or towels.

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WHAT’S HOT INpots

& pans

WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO INVEST IN AN UPGRADE

BY KENDALL ATKINS LIVICK

We often procrastinate upgrading cookware because this chore feels like a bore. I remember many a wedding shower, mustering up half-hearted enthusiasm when watching brides unpackage pots and pans. Yet the hallmark of adulthood is when you realize you’ve reached the point at which you can feel genuine excitement while selecting cookware.

In the world of pots and pans, there are several ways to invest in quality, as well as ensure the safety and health of your family and guests. So let’s get to it.

Questions before the hunt

Start with a few guiding questions.

n Are you a casual chef or is cooking your passion?

n Do you plan on making fancy and elaborate dishes or will you stick to the basics aside from special occasions?

n What is the overall aesthetic and feel of your kitchen? Is it an entertainment hub for gathering or an off-thebeaten path demolition site for messy creations?

n How much storage do you have? Do you want a variety of sizes or will bare-bones basics get the job done?

n What are your specifications in terms of eco-friendliness and health standards?

n How long will you reasonably hang onto this culinary set?

n Would you prefer a timeless staple that is classic and neutral or a fun statement choice in a signature color?

n What’s your budget?

n Perhaps one of the most important considerations is stove type: Is your stove cooktop a glass top, induction, gas or electric? Are the eyes of the stove smooth, coiled, or grated?

Material consideration

CAST IRON is a timeless option that remains nonstick if properly cared for. Cast iron, along with carbon steel are known for retaining their flavor throughout countless cooking processes.

CERAMIC is naturally nonstick, chemical free and easily washed with water and soap.

STAINLESS STEEL is known for its effective and evenly distributed heating qualities. However, it will be more likely to accrue tougher stains and lose its aesthetic luster over time.

The naturally chemical-free materials like cast iron and ceramics are options that haven’t gone out of style! However, if going with more modern materials, experts caution customers on avoiding chemicals like lead, cadmium (a heavy metal) and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl), which don’t break down in the body or environment. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) can cause toxic fumes that could lead to fever, throat and breathing issues, along with other health disturbances.

To play it safe in terms of health and eco-friendly products, do your research and make sure your chosen cookware gives you peace of mind when it comes to preparing and disposing of food. To research the cookware you have in mind, check out consumerreports. org, visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the company’s customer service department to inquire. When in doubt,

go with a more timeless option. Trending cookware brands like GreenPan and Our Place, advertise that they are free of toxic chemicals. Popular for their form and function, these choices add both a pragmatic and stylish aesthetic touch to the stovetop. These brands feature both timeless neutral colors like blacks, beiges and silvers as well as trending colors such as rose hues, sage greens and jewel tone blues.

Sometimes as our attitudes, families, houses and awareness levels shift, so do our needs. If thoughts of cookware can make you feel even the slightest surge of exuberance, then congrats! You’re officially a grown up. If not? Don’t worry. We’re not judging if you never reach this level of enthusiasm. Either way, hopefully this article gives you a starting point for checking a task off the to-do list. Happy cooking! ✦

Cast Iron Care

Cast iron remains a timeless material due to its flavoring ability, as well as its versatility. Used for cooking, baking, searing and roasting, cast iron shows durability when used both on the stovetop and in the oven. This material is also unfussy, requiring specific, yet simple care tips.

STEP 1

Do your research to make sure the pan or skillet you order doesn’t have extra special specifications. Some come pre-seasoned. If not, you’ll need to go to the manufacturer’s website or watch a video tutorial on how to season it yourself. A well-seasoned skillet is what prevents sticking.

STEP 2

Washing can get a bit controversial. Staunch cast iron purists out there will turn their nose up to the use of soap. Other fans of cast iron recommend light soaping in order to get rid of stuck food. Either way, soak the skillet in warm water. Add a bit of soap only if you wish or when dealing with extra grime.

STEP 3

Use a firm but gentle dish sponge to scrub the surface. Anything more aggressive, like a scrub made out of metal, could be too corrosive.

STEP 4

Dry completely with a towel.

STEP 5

Heat for a few minutes on the stovetop to make sure that every drop is dry. The goal is to avoid any rusting.

STEP 6

After turning off the burner, immediately cover the whole surface of the hot skillet with a thin coating of neutral-tasting oil such as grapeseed or flaxseed oil. The combination of heat and oil create a protective nonstick coating.

STEP 7

Once cool, store in a place free of humidity and moisture.

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

5 Ingredient Favorites Summer cooking made easy

Does anyone out there adore grocery shopping?! Well, kudos to you if it’s your thing, but for this gal, it’s not a fun time! I would wager that most of you readers fall into my camp. How about going grocery shopping without a mile-long list? Better, right? I can almost hear the sighs of relief! These five-ingredient recipes will allow you to grab the small basket instead of the industrial-sized cart.

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

First, here are some ground rules: salt, pepper, butter and olive oil do not count as ingredients (because you don’t buy those during every grocery trip). If we all agree, let’s see what’s cooking! These recipes are simple, flavorful and fun to make. They all can be easily made, so you have more time at the pool or in the garden this summer. Enjoy!

Crispy Butter Bean, Mushroom and Date Salad

Calling all vegetarians: this salad is easy and uses only one skillet — win, win! This dish is great for a weeknight when you want to feel like you are getting a good helping of veggies but still want to have a hearty meal. Some substitutions I make are using gnocchi instead of butter beans, mixing up different types of mushrooms or adding roasted pine nuts to the top.

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups mushrooms, chopped (use your favorites)

1 teaspoon salt

3 cloves garlic, smashed

2 large Swiss chard leaves, remove stem and torn or chopped

1 tablespoon salted butter

1 ½ cups canned butter (lima) beans, rinsed and drained

6 dates, pitted and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet on medium high heat, add olive oil, mushrooms and salt. Toss together. Cook until mushrooms are softened with crispy edges and most of the water is gone. Add the garlic and Swiss chard and toss one more time. Set aside.

In the same pan, on medium heat, add the butter and beans. Toss together and crisp up, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in dates and heat through. Turn the heat to low and add all the ingredients back into skillet and toss gently. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through and season to taste.

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Browned Butter & Tomato Fettuccine

Perhaps the most simple, decadent and quick weeknight pasta out there! You can find all sorts of versions of a tomato sauce, but this one has five ingredients, takes about 10 minutes to cook and is packed full of flavor. I also like to “cheat” a little and top with parmesan, but in the spirit of five ingredients instead of six, here it is. You can decide on how rebellious you want to be!

1 pound fettuccine

I cup reserved pasta water

1 stick salted butter

1 6-ounce can of tomato paste

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3 cloves garlic, grated

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a stock pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta just shy of desired tenderness. Take off 1 minute from your “normal” cooking time. Save 1 cup of pasta water for sauce and drain pasta.

While water is boiling, melt butter in a sauté pan and cook on medium while swirling gently until browned, not burned, and until it smells fragrantly nutty! Turn your heat off and add tomato paste and garlic, and whisk in to incorporate. Note: the mixture will look slightly separated, but don’t panic. Bring back to low heat and stir in heavy cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the pasta and pasta water and toss until coated. Allow to simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Creamy Corn and Ricotta Tart

This tart recipe is creamy, sweet and totally summer ready! The ingredients are simple and a fan favorite in my house. The kiddos devour it, and it is super easy to modify with the addition of fresh herbs and cheeses!

1 pie crust (store bought is fine)

3 ears corn, removed from cob

1 tablespoon salted butter

4 eggs

½ cup heavy cream

1 pinch kosher salt, more to taste

1 cup whole milk ricotta

1 teaspoon ground pepper

In a 9” pie or tart pan, roll out the pie crust and line with parchment and pie weights (or dried beans) to weigh down. Partially bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes. While the crust is baking, add butter and corn to a skillet, on medium high, and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat to cool. Season to taste with kosher salt. Add the eggs, cream and salt to mixing bowl and whisk until combined.

Stir in the corn to the egg mixture and add to the tart crust. Dot the top of the tart with dollops of ricotta. Bake for another 45 to 50 minutes. Top with ground pepper. ✦

did to our kitchen cabinets. They had 22 years of use and you made them look like they were just

”

- The Kuehns

Blending Styles Honoring History and

BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

Photography by Kathryn Feldmann

Renee LeClair and Andrew Bink’s home reveals their story: from Maine to South Carolina to Virginia six years ago, their home is filled with beautiful furniture, art and accessories that convey their passions. With a busy lifestyle — two children, two dogs and two busy careers — they completed an elegant total renovation of their home. Their contemporary French farmhouse blends traditional pieces with stunning art and modern touches.

Renee and Andrew had myriad ideas when they purchased this traditional colonial home. As parents of two young daughters, they wanted a house that would accommodate their life, both work and play. Some of the changes were necessary — a working primary bath — and some were designed to improve the house to fit with their furniture and lifestyle.

Functional and beautiful

Starting with wood columns on the full front porch that now wraps around to allow access from the dining room, Renee and Andrew instilled a fresh modern vibe in a traditional colonial home. They chose the African wood Sapele because it holds a high content of oil making it highly resistant to weather and insects. The large 8-feet-deep porch is one example of the creative combination of Renee and Andrew’s visions with their contractor McCoy Darby’s design style. “McCoy was great because he took our ideas and suggested additional ones. He was very flexible and was really careful not to waste materials,” Renee explained.

Sitting to the right off the front entryway, a drab old study is now an inviting dining room. With French doors to the side porch where they often sit, the dining room is open and airy. The bright yellow wallpaper on one wall sets the tone for the brass and Milk Glass light fixture that they bought years ago and finally found the perfect place to hang it. Once they found the right hardware and added a brass chain to this vintage chandelier, it now lights up the table for family dinners and the occasional homework project.

Renee and Andrew came up with ideas to improve the flow and keep the house from being overly formal. They turned the closet between the dining room and kitchen into a corridor that functions perfectly: they designed a cabinet for their wine fridge, and Andrew tiled a patterned backsplash that adds

texture among the dark wood. This space now houses a butler’s pantry cabinet, wine rack and a coffee bar. “It was the little things like that that made a huge difference in how we use the space,” Andrew noted.

Innovative solutions

In the midst of the renovation project, Covid halted work and made acquiring materials a challenge. McCoy’s innovative spirit along with Renee and Andrew’s vision worked to make the end result better than the original ideas. When their cabinetmaker was unable to build the kitchen cabinets, Renee and Andrew decided to refurbish the existing cabinets and used African hardwood to build new doors and add a few additional ones that match seamlessly.

“We designed spaces as we went along,” Renee said. This design/build method, along with McCoy’s resourceful nature, allowed the new spaces to align with their lifestyle needs. McCoy even pitched in and tiled the backsplash and island wall. Crisp white tiles over the marble countertops with the dark wood cabinets gives the kitchen a timeless French Country feel.

Off the kitchen, an old, screened porch was enclosed. Using dark wood beams to connect the kitchen to the sunroom, the space offers a contemporary ambiance with French doors to the garden and a large sculpted light fixture. The aggregate floor is heated to keep the room warm in the winter. Two tall brass lamps they found years ago antiquing in Maine blend well with the contemporary sofa and chair.

Designing the patio to mimic the sunroom’s proportions creates a seamless transition to their outdoor space. Working with McCoy, Renee and Andrew stood outside facing back to the house while they designed the patio’s curvature to make it symmetrical and work with the step to the garden gate. Aggregate allows for more color and material choices; they used concrete with gravel mixed in for a modern look that also kept the cost in line. Renee and Andrew wanted to use the same concrete for the patio as the sunroom floor to draw the inside materials out as they did with the African hardwood. Both the patio and the sunroom floors were designed and fabricated by Richard Taylor of Design Concrete Surfaces.

McCoy was excellent at planning and staging the project Renee says. Everything just came together: even during the pandemic, they managed to make progress. Repurposing and reimagining the spaces was a talent they fostered during the two-year project. Renee and Andrew chose and ordered all the light fixtures and finishes. They had them stored and ready to install when the project moved to that phase.

Off the kitchen, the old dining room became an office for Renee with space for the girls to create art. A large wooden chest was repurposed to hold craft supplies and allow them to sit and make art. This airy dual-purpose room connects to the kitchen and opens to the living room.

Artful additions

The living room was painted a soft gray (Shoji White by Sherwin Williams) to showcase a beautiful skyscape by Larry Gray of Asheville, N.C. A painting by Janina Tukarski Ellis hangs over the North Carolina cherry side table. The old painted wood mantle was removed and a new wood beam from Craig County installed beneath an inset they designed to set the TV back so it hangs flat on the fireplace wall. A wood-burning insert was fitted into the original brick fireplace box. The sleek black metal insert is crisp and clean and keeps fires burning behind the glass doors.

The front hall is filled with their wonderful collection of colorful art. An encaustic by Gina Louthian-Stanley reflects their love of blues and greens. A half bath with a black framed round mirror and walls tiled in gray and black is tucked back off the entrance hall. Going up the stairs, framed drawings of deer, from photographs captured on a wildlife camera, are replicated in pencil then overlayed in soft colors by South Carolina artist Madeleine Peck Wagner. A small house painted by artist Mark Shepheard welcomes at the top of the stairs.

At the other end of the hall, a large map of the coast of Maine beckons visitors to take a closer look. Once a doorway to the second of two hall baths, this solid wall allows the primary bath to be more spacious and accessed from the primary bedroom. Renovating this bath was the first project Renee and Andrew tackled. The bath was redesigned to create a double shower. Tiled in black, white and gray it features a sleek hanging Italian vanity with sink. The British shower and sink hardware offer a unique modern touch.

Combining the two small closets into one in the master bedroom allows for plenty of storage, and their beautiful wooden dressers fit nicely along the wall. The wall behind the bed is covered in a geometric patterned paper by Graham & Brown, a British wallpaper company. “We tried to blend the styles and honor both,” Andrew explains.

Two more upstairs bedrooms have been carefully curated to reflect each child’s personality. The first is purposeful and full of order; a lovely quilt covered in birds rests on the bed. The other is warm and cozy with a white sheepskin tossed effortlessly over the lower bunk bed. A fourth bedroom is practical and includes an upstairs washer and dryer to keep the laundry task easy. There is still room for a guest bed and plenty of storage.

The muslin (cream-colored) brick home with a full wraparound porch is warm and inviting. The gardens still host many of the American boxwoods that Halsey Hill, the original owner, propagated and planted more than 60 years ago. Rumor has it that at one time, the Hills had 1,500 boxwoods growing in the garden. Renee laughs and explains that families still come for boxwood foliage to make wreaths. A tradition the Hills started continues with the home today.

With the addition of Lenten roses, raised beds for vegetables and an herb garden off the kitchen, the grounds have evolved

to suit the LeClair-Binks’ lifestyle. They built a large modern woodshed out of wood and steel to house wood for the fireplace as well as for the chic fire pit they bought for the patio. The stacked wood housed in the metal-and-wood frame creates an artful border on the side yard. They built long retaining walls along the side of the yard out of steel panels and wood edging that connects the modern farmhouse vibe inside and out. The porch and the patio work with the gardens that envelop this contemporary French farmhouse where Renee and Andrew created wonderful vignettes for work and play. ✦

Caring for the Wood that Stands Up to Weather

BY FERNE HALE

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

The allure of teak Teak is a low-maintenance wood if you allow it to age naturally and turn to a silvery gray color. Teak requires no extra finishes or treatments to last for generations. The amount of time it takes to weather varies based on the amount of sun exposure and the environment in which the furniture resides.

To remove moss, dirt and surface stains, an occasional wash using soapy water with a splash of white vinegar or bleach added and a soft nylon brush is all you need, plus a rinse-off with the hose. Pressure washing is not recommended as it removes natural oils and opens up the woodʼs grain.

To seal or not?

If you have new teak furniture, you can decide whether to let it go natural or opt to use teak sealer/protector to keep the original honey color. Keeping the teak color by using a protector is more work and requires repeated cleaning (at least once a season), but this gives the wood a layer of UV protection, prevents mildew from forming and creates a barrier between the wood

and the air, preventing oxidation that causes the wood to turn gray. Sealer also protects the teak from the oil stains that potato chips, ketchup and some drinks commonly cause on untreated teak. Before applying teak protector, let new furniture weather outside for one

or two weeks. Then clean the teak with soap and water or teak cleaner, rinse and let dry completely. Apply a thin coat of protector with a cloth or sponge. Wait an hour and apply a second thin coat. Let it dry for five hours before using the furniture.

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabrics

Nothing accents beautiful teak furniture more than clean cushions. Here are a few cleaning tips for Sunbrella fabrics. Note: Please read the manufacturer’s recommendations before proceeding.

FOR REMOVABLE OR NON-REMOVABLE FABRICS

n Soak in solution of ¼ cup mild soap and 1 gallon lukewarm water.

n Use a sponge or soft brush to lightly scrub stains.

n Rinse well to remove soap. Air dry.

n Clean the area from seam to seam, not just on the spot. This should avoid leaving a visible cleaning ring on the fabric.

MACHINE WASHING

n Consult the furniture manufacturer’s recommendations

n Remove covers from cushions.

n Close all zippers on fabric. Machine wash on cold, delicate cycle, using a mild detergent.

n For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Air dry.

CLEANING OFF MOLD AND MILDEW

n Mix ¼ cup mild soap and 1 cup bleach in a gallon of water.

Restoring its golden color

No matter how old your teak is, it can be restored to its original honey-golden look. Hereʼs how:

n Sand the teak, going with the grain of the wood, with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the top layer of dirt, debris and patina. An electric sander is fine for use on large areas like tabletops.

n Wash the furniture with a garden hose. While furniture is still wet, apply teak cleaner (mild dish soap mixed with warm water will also work) using a soft bristled brush or a spray bottle. For tough stains, add a small amount of bleach to the solution and scrub the entire surface of the piece. Let the scrub solution sit 1 or 2 minutes, then brush along the grain.

n Rinse the furniture with a garden hose to wash off the cleaning solution and allow it to air dry.

n When surface is dry to the touch, sand again with 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. After sanding, use a dry rag, tack rag or blower to remove any remaining dust.

n Apply a teak sealer or protector if you want the honey-golden look. A protector can be used once or twice a year, always following use of teak cleaner. Apply the protector to all surfaces with a softbristled brush. Then leave the furniture to air dry for 24 hours.

Voila! All ready for summer! ✦

n Spray this mixture on entire fabric surface, and let it soak in for 15 minutes.

n Clean entire surface with soft brush, sponge or towel.

n Rinse to remove all soap residue. Air dry.

DO IT yourself

Practicing the Eco-Friendly Four Rs: Repair, Refurbish, Refinish & Repaint

BY MARTHA S. COFFEY

Anew trend is sweeping the nation, and if the number of YouTube tutorials, Instagram posts and Pinterest pages dedicated to home improvement projects is any indication, the trend is here to stay. Homeowners young and old are rejecting the “buy cheap stuff, use it ‘til it breaks and then trash it” mentality. Instead, they are making eco-friendly commitments to buy higher quality home goods that can be repaired, refurbished, refinished or repainted instead of purchasing replacements.

The reasons for joining the ranks of the multitudinous Do It Yourselfers (DIYers) are manifold with the most obvious being that fixing things saves you money by extending the life of your possessions and saves the planet by keeping so many old and broken items from going to landfills.

Other less tangible but nonetheless valuable benefits of practicing the eco-friendly four Rs include the bonding experience that occurs when family and friends work together and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills. With these benefits in mind, below are four questions to ponder as you select your first DIY project.

n Is the item worth fixing and the job worth doing yourself? Experts advise performing a cost analysis to make that determination. If the cost of the repair/redo is 50% or less of the replacement cost, then it might be a good candidate for a DIY job.

n Can you find a tutorial to teach you how to repair, refurbish, refinish or repaint the item? Let your favorite internet browser help you find detailed instructions with pictures.

n Do you have the tools and supplies you will need? Remember to include any purchases you would have to make in your cost analysis.

n Can you locate the parts necessary for completing the project? Include the price of parts in your cost analysis, too.

If you can answer these questions affirmatively, then you are ready to tackle your first DIY project. Just as practicing the three Rs as a student made you proficient in reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, practicing the four eco-friendly Rs will teach you self-reliance and reward you with savings and the satisfaction of knowing you are doing a good deed for the environment.

Repair a broken vacuum cleaner

Second only to large kitchen and laundry room appliances, the vacuum cleaner is the most critical tool we use to keep our households running smoothly and is a likely candidate for the first of the four eco-friendly Rs: repairing something. Fortunately, if you have purchased a reputable brand of vacuum cleaner, you can effectively troubleshoot the cause of the breakdown, purchase new parts and install them yourself if you have internet access and a modicum of patience. A quick online search will yield brand-specific manuals, websites for parts purchases and YouTube tutorials showing you how to perform innumerable repairs. Completing the project yourself will spare you the headache of finding a local repair shop to accept your broken vacuum and then waiting to get it back. Frustration is averted, money is saved and one fewer item ends up in the landfill.

Refurbish outdoor furniture

With warm weather here, we naturally want to spend more time outdoors. What better way to enjoy the summertime than to sit outside? For that you will need comfortable outdoor furniture, making the refurbishing of existing or new-to-you pieces a worthwhile activity. If you have plastic furniture, a thorough cleaning with soap and water on a sunny day will return it to like-new condition, whereas refurbishing metal lawn furniture will require a more extensive list of supplies. To fix up metal furniture, you will need a drop cloth, work gloves, wire brush, a rust-dissolving solution, sandpaper, paint brushes and rust-inhibiting metal primer and paint. Begin by finding a shady spot or empty garage and put your nonslip drop cloth down. Don some old clothes, goggles and chemical-resistant gloves before beginning to remove every bit of rust and any loose paint with the wire brush and sandpaper. Count yourself lucky if this labor-intensive step goes smoothly. If stubborn rust spots remain, apply a rust-dissolving acid according to the manufacturer’s instructions, hose your piece off and dry it well with old rags before applying a rust converter, which will chemically convert any trace rust into a solid substance that coats and seals metal furniture. Finally, you are ready to apply the rust-inhibiting metal primer and paint in three light coats each. Following these steps and applying a little elbow grease in the process will yield impressively refurbished outdoor furniture.

Refinish a bathroom vanity

Patient homeowners can successfully transform outdated bathrooms without calling in professionals. Since bathrooms tend to be small rooms, they can relatively inexpensively be updated with fresh coats of paint or striking wallpaper and cleverly refinished vanities. Fortunately, most bathrooms have wood vanities suitable for refinishing over the course of several days. The steps include removing old paint or stain, sanding, priming and applying new stain or paint and then a sealer. These newly refinished vanities can be further transformed with the installation of new countertops, sinks, faucets and hardware, all by following the simple steps outlined in product guides and demonstrated in YouTube videos. Add the crowning touch to bathroom transformations by hanging new mirrors, installing new towel bars and investing in new towels and bath

rugs in eye-popping colors. As in any DIY endeavor, if you feel ill-equipped for the job, call in a professional!

Repaint your front door

If you believe the adage about first impressions being lasting ones, then repainting your front door makes great sense. A single quart of exterior latex paint in a bold new color will give the outside of your home a radically updated look. Consult home decorating magazines and paint store employees to learn which colors are trending (the Early Spring issue of HOME offered all the 2023 Colors of the Year).

Pick up paint store color chips and tape them to your existing front door to aid in color selection. Latex paint in a glossy finish is recommended, along with a companion primer. You can paint your door in place or remove it from its hinges

Home DIY Projects for Beginners

Other easy projects for repair, reuse and repainting include:

n Add peel-and-stick wallpaper to an old bookcase to give it a pop of color.

n Update worn or dated doorknobs or light fixtures with spray paint.

n Make worn couches and chairs new again with trendy covers.

n Repair a down comforter with replacement fill and some stitches — be sure to look up more info on fill weight and power. If it’s looking a little dingy, invest in a new duvet cover.

n Wax sticky wooden drawers to help them slide in and out more easily.

if you have a storm door. Always begin by removing all the hardware before you clean, sand and then wipe down your door. Once these steps have been taken and you’ve got a tarp laid underneath, you are ready to prime the door, let it dry and then brush or roll on two coats of new paint. Your job will be complete when you reattach the new or polished hardware to the repainted door. With minimal time, effort and expense, you will have made an impactful update to your home’s exterior and gotten some valuable practice with the last of the ecofriendly four Rs.

Indeed, a lifelong commitment to repairing, refurbishing, refinishing and repainting your own or secondhand items instead of discarding them and buying new ones will make a lasting difference in our environment — all while sparking joy. ✦

BUZZ OFF!

Beat back pests with a mixture of repellents and elimination

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

The advent of warmer weather brings so much to enjoy: light-filled days, gentle breezes and temperatures that invite outdoor lounging.

What’s less enjoyable? Serving as the appetizer, entree and dessert for a horde of mosquitoes.

Mosquito bites come from the females in the species, who use the protein in blood to power reproduction. While the lifespan of a female mosquito varies widely — from weeks to months, depending on the environment — a female can lay hundreds of eggs in a short amount of time. For many of us, itchiness and swelling follows a bite. Sometimes, the bite can also be the gateway to disease, if the mosquito has previously bitten an infected primate (human or not). While disease transmission is more common in tropical and sub-tropical climates, no one wants that risk.

An ounce of prevention

To discourage mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs, first make it harder for them to find a comfortable habitat. Mosquitoes are happiest with dark, warm, damp places, because that’s where breeding is most successful.

Start by eliminating any place where water can collect and stand. This includes plant pots (pay attention to the drip dishes underneath), wheelbarrows, buckets, trash cans, abandoned toys, clogged gutters and plastic gutter downspouts that may not empty fully. Remove plant debris, like leaf piles, and fallen branches or trees. Keep grass and weeds trimmed, and dethatch grass yearly, to remove packed plant material at its base. Use a covered compost bin, not an open compost heap.

If you have a pond, consider stocking it with fish that eat mosquitoes or use a larvicide, which is safe for the fish, but not the insects. If you have a birdbath, change the water weekly. Change the water daily in outdoor pet bowls.

Another way to attack a pest problem is to enlist help from nature. A wide range of plants – American beautyberry, basil, bee balm, catnip, dill, eucalyptus, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigold, peppermint, rosemary and sage – serve as natural mosquito repellents, to varying degrees. Ring a deck with pots filled with your favorites, or install beds filled with growing pest-fighters. And use cedar mulch because cedar oil is another natural repellent.

Birds and bats are also natural predators. Hang a few feeders, to attract a variety of birds. If you’re not opposed to bats, provide a bat house. Ideal placement is 15 to 20 feet off the ground and in the open, where sunlight will heat it for five to eight hours a day. Don’t attach the house to a tree, which is likely to not get enough sun and exposes the bats to predators. Bats also need a water source, so if you’re not close to a natural body of water, add a bird bath nearby (but change the water often).

A pound of cure

Even the best prevention efforts can’t eradicate backyard pests. Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide that people exhale, so if we’re breathing, bugs will follow.

One of the best chemical-free ways to keep pests away is to use fans. Mosquitoes can’t fly well in a breeze. Scientists also theorize that the moving air will confuse the bugs as they follow scent, so they won’t know where to alight. Other approaches are to use citronella and lavender candles, burn coffee grounds or use devices that automatically release repellents, though these don’t work well on windy days.

A study published in the October 2022 issue of the journal Cell suggests that some people are more susceptible to bug bites because of the acidic composition of their skin. If you’re a bug magnet, try washing with a repellent soap on a day that you plan to be outside. Also wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, as bugs are drawn to bright colors and patterns.

If you are willing to include chemicals in your defense arsenal, consider the synthetic repellents found in a variety of sprays and lotions, all EPA-approved: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. While DEET is the oldest and perhaps best-known, picaridin has been found to cover a wide range of insects by mimicking a chemical found in pepper plants. Don’t confuse oil of lemon eucalyptus with lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which is sometimes marketed as a mosquito repellent. IR3535 is a synthetic repellent developed by Merck in the 1980s; it has been used in Europe for more than three decades.

Additional chemical applications are available via foggers that can be used for short-term events or commercial broadcast treatments, which can last for several months.

Any time we step outdoors, we leave a controlled space and enter an environment that isn’t designed solely for our comfort. With some forethought, we can enjoy that experience more this summer.

For information about the most common pests in your area, the National Pesticide Information Center — npic.orst.edu — provides contact information for county extension offices. ✦

Pick a Certified Contractor and Enjoy Peace of Mind

We specialize in the professional installation of windows, doors, gutters, siding and roofing to fit every need and style.

We feature Pella and Andersen replacement windows. Our window installations go the extra mile to preserve your home’s authentic details. A great window is only as good as its installation, so why trust your installation to an uncertified contractor or worse yet, an uncertified, unlicensed and uninsured installer. Elegant Exteriors installs its windows and doors with its own employees, not subcontractors or piece workers. Elegant Exteriors by TBS, LLC is a Trex Pro as well an Andersen and Pella certified contractor which means that all of our installations come with a 2-year labor warranty.

Securing your home

Team up old-school safety smarts with digital tools

BY JERRY HALE

Every homeowner deserves to feel safe and secure inside their residence. Unfortunately, in a world where criminals don’t hesitate to prey on those who aren’t well protected from break-ins, some forethought, behavior change and modifications to your property are likely needed to help protect you from potential invaders. While digital tools abound, don’t forget to take common-sense measures to stay safe.

Start with the basics

Begin your safety assessment with these routine precautions:

n Always lock all doors and windows when leaving home or retiring for the night.

n Install high quality door locks.

n Supplement the locks on sliding doors with a commercial slide blocking device, available online or from home stores, or a length of heavy dowel (an old broom handle will do) fitted into any sliding door’s lower slide channel.

n Set timers on a couple of lamps when you are going to be away after dark. Timers with “random-on-time” settings are preferred if you are going to be away from home several days in a row. For long-term use, choose timers that are ambient light sensitive so the “on” time will vary as daylight patterns change.

n Don’t let mail or packages pile up while you’re away. Stop your mail or have a neighbor gather up packages if you’re on vacation.

n Carefully conceal any hidden keys (definitely not under the doormat, above the door or in some other obvious location).

n Illuminate areas where a burglar might crouch near your doors and windows. Motion-detecting fixtures or bulbs inexpensively provide responsive lighting outside your home.

n Periodically trim back shrubbery that might otherwise provide convenient screening for a break-in artist.

n Keep valuables out of sight in a hidden spot, home fire safe or bank safety deposit box.

Your estate is safe in our hands

Fight daytime break-ins

“FBI statistics show that the vast majority of break-ins occur during the day, when people are away from home,” notes Lt. Scott Arnes of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department. “So locking up when leaving home is a no-brainer.”

In addition to locking up, you can also protect your home in the daytime with digital home-security devices. Prices for outdoor and indoor security monitoring cameras are steadily decreasing; most offer “apps” that will alert your smartphone whenever suspicious activity is detected and capture images of potential intruders. Additionally, signs indicating that your property is being monitored can be effective deterrents: FBI statistics show that 83% of would-be burglars avoid homes with security systems when selecting their targets.

Modern home security systems fall into three main categories:

n Wired local alarm system. This most-basic setup includes sensors on doors and windows that will set off an audible alarm when tripped. These alarms are not connected to a central monitoring station or any company operators and cannot be controlled remotely. Such systems rely on a piercing sound to warn intruders they’ve been detected and suggest that law enforcement may be on the way.

n Wired digital alarm system. These systems incorporate multiple sensors connected to a central control panel that can shut off the system or alert authorities of an intrusion. Upon detection of a break-in or fire, they typically communicate with a monitoring call center that notifies appropriate responders and/or takes other action the homeowner may have specified.

n Wireless alarm systems. A wireless system will notify a cell phone app or a digital communicator via cell towers or Internet Protocol — as opposed to vulnerable phone lines — to alert the homeowner or a monitoring service to a potential security breach. Homeowners can also use their phones to enable/disable the system and to monitor, for example, the activities of a teenager left home alone or a pet-sitter who has been given access to the home in their absence. Doorbell cameras fall into this category and are both low cost and easily DIY installed. When activated by motion, they transmit a video image to the homeowner’s phone or tablet using an included smartphone app.

Tim Hash Broker & Auctioneer

Connie Hash, GRI Associate Broker & Relocation Specialist

Enlist dogged determination

While some professional thieves may have experience circumventing in-home alarm systems, break-in artists are known to routinely avoid properties where they have reason to believe large dogs reside. A serious-sounding dog bark, real or recorded, will usually send a burglar to a softer target. Evidence of a sizable dog in residence — like a large dog bowl, bone, chewy toy or even grungy-looking tennis balls left conspicuously visible — may help redirect would-be burglars to a less-threatening “opportunity.”

Homeowners who are willing to invest a bit more in home security have options that include professional installation of a full array of indoor and outdoor motion-sensitive cameras, with digital recording storage capability. A quality system can cost well into the thousands but will provide a video record should

a security/safety incident occur as well as serve as an effective deterrent. (Burglars take notice of such installations and of window decals that warn a home is wired!)

A security professional will also make sure your exterior doors are sufficiently sturdy and your door and window locks are of high enough quality to defeat all but the most skilled of unauthorized enterers. Security specialists (ADT is one that gets good reviews) can perform an entire analysis of your home and recommend actions to improve your security posture.

As with other aspects of personal well-being, good home security requires your attentiveness. A conscious checkup now, before an incident occurs, is the surest way to minimize the likelihood of an inconvenient or potentially dangerous break-in. ✦